Which place is cheaper, Manila or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samui or Manila?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Manila? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Koh Samui or Manila?
Koh Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $55Manila $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $55, while the average daily cost in Manila is $94. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Koh Samui and Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $24Manila $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $48Manila $110
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui or Manila? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Koh Samui Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $17Manila $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
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Scooter Rental$2.05
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Gas for Scooter$1.09
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Airport Taxi$12
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$11
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Samui International Airport (USM) Departure Shared Transfer: $11
- Samui International Airport (USM) Arrival Shared Transfer: $11
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng, Koh Samui APT-HTL (USM): $12
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng,Koh Samui HTL-APT (USM): $12
- Koh Samui Shared Arrival or Departure Transfer : $14
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Shared Transfer: $15
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui: $15
- Private Departure Transfer: From Hotel to Koh Samui Airport by Car: $20
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $23
- Half-Day Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $23
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $25
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Full On 5-7 hours ATV Adventure Rivers-Mountains-Jungle with Transfers Manila: $280
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- Adventure Awaits: Spelunking at Cavinti Cave Complex w/ Transfers: $160
- Active Taal Volcano experience 2024 (with transfers): $140
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
- Nagpatong Rock Day hike + Tungtong Falls(with transfers**) 2023: $130
- Day Hike Mt. Batulao 811 meters with transfers from Manila** 2024: $130
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Paranaque Private Transfer: $120
- ⭐ Manila International Airport Car Transfer To & From City⭐: $72
- Half Day Historical Manila City tour and much more with transfers: $70
- Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $68
- Manila Airport (MNL): One-way Private Transfers: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila and Koh Samui change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayKoh Samui $19Manila $18
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Romantic 4-Course Dinner for Two on the Beach by the Amari Samui: $43
- Cooking Class with Herbal Garden by Amari Koh Samui: $51
- Thai Cooking Class at Melati Beach Resort & Spa: $59
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $61
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $67
- Thai Cooking Class & Organic Micro Farm Experience - Farm to Table. Since 2015: $69
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $71
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $72
- Koh Samui Jungle Kitchen - Half Day Cooking Class: $77
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui: $78
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour: $80
- Red Baron Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise: $88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Manila Night Market and food tour Experience: $58
- Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $63
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $63
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $75
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $81
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $10Manila $20
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island : $23
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $23
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $24
- Angthong National Marine Park Tour by Large Boat: $26
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $27
- Mu Ko Ang Thong Park Cruise with Kayaking Option: $29
- Half Day Chiang Mai City Tour with Famous Temples and Viewpoint: $29
- Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui: $30
- Original Discovery Tour: $30
- Private Customized Tour with Driver in Koh Samui: $33
- Angthong National Marine Park by Tour Boat including Lunch: $35
- Koh Samui Private Customized Tour with Driver: $36
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Active Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour (2in1): $135
- Bataan Death March Memorial Historical Tour : $188
- Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $72
- Corregidor daytour Via Manila to Bataan: $298
- Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $80
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
- From 4-Day Sagada and Banaue Rice Terraces Tour: $338
- From Day Tour to Enchanting Hidden Valley: $160
- From Majestic Pagsanjan Falls Adventure: $160
- From Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour: $106
- From Panoramic Tagaytay Ridge Tour: $150
- From Taal Volcano Island & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour: $135
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $4.63Manila $9.97
Sample the Local Flavors in Koh Samui
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Koh Samui:
- Private 4x4 Off-Road Island Safari + Rum Distillery Visit & Tasting: $295
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Manila, we can see that Manila is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Samui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samui and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Manila would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manila than you might in Koh Samui.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Samui Expensive? and Is Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 260 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui and Manila, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samui or Manila?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Koh Samui or Manila in the Summer?
Both Manila and Koh Samui during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in July than Manila. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
Koh Samui is cooler than Manila in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Manila in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Also, October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui. Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samui usually receives around the same amount of rain as Manila. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samui in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Manila averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Manila in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Manila. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in January than Manila. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Koh Samui is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 22°C (72°F), and Manila fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Manila in the Spring?
Both Manila and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Manila. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Koh Samui is cooler than Manila in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in April, and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.